Cong used Chandraswami, says Avaidyanath
Control of Ramjanmabhoomi MovementNew Delhi, May 11
Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Andolan leader and former BJP MP Mahant Avaidyanath today told the Liberhan Commission that the Congress had tried to use controversial godman Chandraswami and Dwarkapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanandji Maharaj to take control of the Ramjanmabhoomi Movement.

Bypoll test for BSP-BJP allianceLucknow, May 11
The alliance between the BJP and the BSP will be put to litmus test in the coming byelections slated for May 31. Both parties have decided to contest the elections together “with mutual understanding”.

BSP not to support Rabri governmentPatna, May 11
The BSP with five legislators in the Bihar assembly, has decided to withdraw support to the Rabri Devi government for its alleged failure to protect
Dalits.

NDA to undertake peace marchesNew Delhi, May 11
The Gujarat issue today figured prominently in the hour-long meeting of the ruling NDA with some partners pitching in for the removal of Chief Minister Narendra
Modi.

Credibility intact: JaswantNew Delhi, May 11External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh rebutted charges that India’s credibility in the international arena had gone down to zero because of the Gujarat violence, which he described as "unfortunate and unacceptable".

Elected eunuchs unite for rightsBhopal, May 11
The eunuchs elected to various offices in the civic bodies in Madhya Pradesh are planning a concerted action to assert their right to remain in office so long as their electors want them. The immediate cause of their concern is the harassment faced by the eunuch Mayor of Katni Municipal Corporation, Kamla
Mausi.

32 scientists awardedNew Delhi, May 11
Thirty two scientists and entrepreneurs were today presented the National Technology Day Awards, 2002, for developing new technologies that would help in economic, scientific and technological advancement.

Closure of relief camps opposedNew Delhi, May 11
The All-India Islamic Conference has appealed to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to scotch the reported move by the Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, to close relief camps in the troubled state, saying that it would deprive the riot victims of protection being provided by the state
administration.

Cong used Chandraswami, says Avaidyanath
Control of Ramjanmabhoomi Movement
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 11
Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Andolan leader and former BJP MP Mahant Avaidyanath today told the Liberhan Commission that the Congress had tried to use controversial godman Chandraswami and Dwarkapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanandji Maharaj to take control of the Ramjanmabhoomi Movement (RJBM).

“Dwarkapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand is associated with the Congress. He has formed a separate trust and given the proposal to construct Ramalaya. He has made a separate architectural design for the Ram temple. His design for the temple also includes the disputed area,” he said deposing before the commission, probing the sequences that led to the demolition of the disputed site in Ayodhya on December 6 in 1992.

However, Mahant Avaidyanath clarified that he had not seen the design of the temple prepared by Swami Swaroopanand. He said he had heard about it from sadhus associated with Swami Swaroopanand. Besides, the Dwarkapeeth Shankaracharya had given statements regarding the Ramalaya.

Branding Chandraswami as a “government-sponsored sadhu”, who was opposed to the Ram Janmabhoomi Samiti, he said he had performed a yajna in Ayodhya when Mr N.D. Tiwari was the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. However, only Chandraswami’s own men had taken part in the yajna and not the sadhus or the locals, Mahant Avaidyanath, a Hindu Mahasabha leader who was elected on BJP ticket, maintained.

About the mood of the police and the security forces after the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, the former MP said he could not say who was very happy, but nobody seemed unhappy.

“The police was afraid thousands would die if it fired and hence like many others, it remained a silent spectator,” he told the commission.

However, he denied that many security personnel on duty at Ayodhya on the fateful day were happy with the turn of the events.

Meanwhile, Mahant Baba Dharam Das, the main trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, today accused VHP leaders of misappropriating the funds of the trust and demanded its dissolution.

At a press conference here, he also proposed the formation of a non-political front comprising representatives of Hindus and Muslims to work out a peaceful solution of the Ayodhya issue. He said he would donate 10 acres for the construction of a mosque at an alternative site in Ayodhya.

Lucknow, May 11
The alliance between the BJP and the BSP will be put to litmus test in the coming byelections slated for May 31. Both parties have decided to contest the elections together “with mutual understanding”.

Elections will be held in four constituencies — Dobbai, Harora, Kunda and Bahedi. First two constituencies — Dobbai and Harora — have fallen vacant after Mr Kalyan Singh and Ms Mayawati vacated the seats. Both of them won elections from two constituencies each. The Election Commission ordered re-election in the Kunda constituency alleging large-scale rigging while re-election was ordered in the Bahedi constituency after the sitting MLA from there was shot dead.

As the BJP and the BSP have decided to contest next parliamentary elections together, these byelections will help both parties to test the political waters. “We will do well and win all seats,” the state president of the BJP, Mr Kalraj Mishra said. “The indications have come in the recently held civic elections where the alliance has won majority of deputy mayoral posts,” he said.

In the deputy mayoral elections, held in 11 municipal corporations of the state, the BJP-BSP alliance won nine seats while the rest went to the Samajwadi Party.

Political pundits feel that in the coming political equation the BJP stands gainer. The state president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC), Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal, said the BSP had a potential to shift its vote bank to the BJP, while the same was lacking in the BJP.

The media in charge of the BJP does not agree with it. “The BJP and the BSP are partners, and thus both will work in such a way that their efforts can benefit both partners,” he said.

Both BJP and the BSP are yet to declare their candidates. The senior leaders would meet soon to decide about candidates, Mr Pathak said.

As far as indications are available the BJP will contest the Bahedi seat and will support independent candidate Raghuraj Pratap Singh in Kunda, while the BSP will contest the Harora and Dobbai.

These elections are likely to see another political coalition — this time between the SP and the Rashtriya Kranti Party (RKP) of Kalyan Singh. “We will fight together to defeat communal forces,” said Mr Kalyan Singh.

Patna, May 11
The BSP with five legislators in the Bihar assembly, has decided to withdraw support to the Rabri Devi government for its alleged failure to protect Dalits.

Mr Mahabali Singh, president of the Bihar BSP, which provides outside support to the government, said today that district presidents and executive committee members of the party met here on May 9 and 10 and unanimously adopted a resolution to this effect and appealed to party supremo Kanshi Ram to make the final announcement.

Criticising the state government for its alleged failure to check the “continuing cycle of violence” on Dalits, Mr Mahabali Singh said, “We can’t be mute spectator to the growing lawlessness in Bihar.”

He said, “We provided outside support to the RJD on the condition that the government would not be found wanting in administration of justice to Dalits.”

The recent killing of Dalits in Bhojpur, Patna and Gopalganj districts had exposed the chinks in the armour of the state administration, he said.

Political analysts say BSP’s decision would not affect the government in Bihar.
PTI

New Delhi, May 11
The Gujarat issue today figured prominently in the hour-long meeting of the ruling NDA with some partners pitching in for the removal of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

While officially, NDA convener Defence Minister George Fernandes refused to take any question on the issue, maintaining that “no discussion of that nature took place”, sources said that Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee and Janata Dal (U) leader and Labour Minister Sharad Yadav were vociferous on the issue.

The NDA offered to send its MPs to help restore peace in different parts of the state and affected localities. The meeting was briefed about the overall situation in Gujarat by Union Home Minister L.K. Advani and the issue figured in normal course, Mr Fernandes said.

Asked when he expected the NDA MPs to commence the peace marches, he said some of them might do it today and tomorrow while many would be doing it after the conclusion of the Parliament session on May 17.

Meanwhile, as part of steps to ease the communal situation, security adviser to the Chief Minister, Mr K.P.S. Gill, today held a marathon meeting at Gandhinagar with minority community leaders from across the state.

New Delhi, May 11
External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh rebutted charges that India’s credibility in the international arena had gone down to zero because of the Gujarat violence, which he described as "unfortunate and unacceptable".

Speaking at a seminar here on "Indo-US relations -- a convergence of interests", Mr Jaswant Singh said it was not true that India’s credibility had touched rock bottom since the Godhra carnage and subsequent violence. He pointed out that no other country in the world could have had a debate as witnessed in the two Houses of Parliament for 40 hours to discuss the issue threadbare and the Rajya Sabha adopting a motion in one voice.

The minister made it clear that India would continue to remain non-aligned and would not join any military bloc. The USA, he said, would have to learn on the "limits of power" as there were "inherent pitfalls" in its position of pre-eminence militarily, politically and economically.

On the issue of terrorism, he said India’s fight against the scourge did not begin on September 11, 2001, but several decades before that. He disclosed that during his talks with the then US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her deputy Strobe Talbott, he had forewarned them that terrorism could hit their shores.

He pointed out that of late Washington had increasingly been recognising that closer Indo-US relations were vital for the cause of convergence of mutual interests.

He said in the past six months, there had been visits to India by 54 senior-ranking American officials and politicians of importance, reflective of the significance the USA attached to further consolidating ties with this country.

Former Indian Ambassador to the USA, Naresh Chandra and retired Army Chief Shankar Roy Choudhry were present at the function. The two-day seminar will discuss the new world order, trade and economy, science and technology and defence and security in the context of Indo-US relations.

Bhopal, May 11
The eunuchs elected to various offices in the civic bodies in Madhya Pradesh are planning a concerted action to assert their right to remain in office so long as their electors want them. The immediate cause of their concern is the harassment faced by the eunuch Mayor of Katni Municipal Corporation, Kamla Mausi.

Kamla had last month resigned, alleging that the BJP was not allowing her to work and that she apprehended threat to her life. Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, however, persuaded her to withdraw her resignation and provided security to her. Now she complains that the Commissioner of the Katni Municipal Corporation and other bureaucrats are not cooperating with her.

Like other eunuchs, Kamla was elected against the seat reserved for women, defeating the BJP’s Alka Jain who has, through an election petition, challenged a eunuch’s right to contest from a seat reserved for women.

It was mainly Kamla Mausi’s case that inspired the elected eunuchs to join hands against what they called the gender bias of some people in society. The initiative was taken by Hirabai, veteran among the eunuchs and a Corporator in the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation. She got in touch with other eunuch representatives over the telephone.

While others agree that something should be done to protect their rights, a concrete form of action is yet to emerge. They are planning to meet, preferably at Jabalpur, soon to finalise the plan of action.

While the Sohagpur constituency in Shahdol district sent a eunuch, Shabnam Mausi, to the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, several municipal corporations and municipal councils have eunuch representatives.

New Delhi, May 11
Thirty two scientists and entrepreneurs were today presented the National Technology Day Awards, 2002, for developing new technologies that would help in economic, scientific and technological advancement.

The awards, given on this day to remember the contribution made by Indian scientists in Pokhran II nuclear explosions in 1998, are also given for successful commercialisation of indigenous technology.

The awards which include two for the Department of Science and Technology (DST), three for the Department of Bio-Technology (DBT) and 17 for the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), were given away by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K.C. Pant. Minister of State for Science and Technology Bachi Singh Rawat and DST Secretary V.S. Ramamurthy were also present.

Later addressing a press conference, Mr Rawat said a “traditional knowledge digital library”, a depository of information on traditional sciences which would be helpful to the Department of Science and Technology, was being built in coordination with the Indian Systems of Medicine.

He said that as far as patenting of the inventions was concerned, there was great awareness about it in the country and the organisations concerned were exchanging information on the subject.

After presenting the awards, Mr Pant said the objective of such awards was to reach those “unsung’’ scientists, technocrats and entrepreneurs who silently contribute to the scientific and technological development.

The award committee also announced one gold medal, sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, to “Chemical Detectors for Toxic Gases — Detector Strips, Short-term Detector Tubes and Dosimeter Tubes’ as the best invention for 2002. The WIPO Gold Medal will be presented to the team leader on the Technology Day in 2003.
UNI

New Delhi, May 11
The All-India Islamic Conference (AIIC) has appealed to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to scotch the reported move by the Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, to close relief camps in the troubled state, saying that it would deprive the riot victims of protection being provided by the state
administration.

The AIIC President Mr Shakeel Ahmed Sheri, in a letter to Mr Vajpayee, said he had learnt from “reliable sources” and through “telephonic conversations with respected citizens” of Ahmedabad that the Modi government had planned to close down all the relief camps being run in various parts of Gujarat.

New Delhi, May 11
Former Chief Minister Pratap Singh Rane, former Union Minister Ramakant Khalap and Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nirmala Sawant are among the 36 candidates announced by the Congress for the May 30 polls to the 40-member Goa Assembly.

Monday is the last day for filing the nomination papers.

Mr Rane will contest from Poriem, Mr Khalap from Mandrem Ms Sawant fights from Cumbajua and Mr Ravi S.Naik will be the Congress candidate from Ponda.

Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), May 11
A self-styled area commander of outlawed Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) was today arrested in extremist-hit Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, police sources said.

Acting on a tip-off, special task force personnel raided a hideout at Dumari village and arrested the hardcore ultra.
PTI

NATIONAL BRIEFS

COP OPENS FIRE AT
SENIORS, KILLS 2
PANDARPUR: In a fit of rage, a constable of Pandarpur police station in Solapur district killed two of his superiors for refusing to grant him leave on Friday night. Constable Kodekar lost his temper when his leave application was rejected and opened fire at three senior police officials. The constable has been arrested and taken into custody.
UNI

PROCEEDINGS AGAINST PATKAR STAYED
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed proceedings by an Ahmedabad court against environmentalist Medha Patkar in a criminal defamation case filed by Mr V.K. Saxena for her raising certain allegations against him. A Division Bench, comprising Mr Justice U.C. Banerjee and Mr Justice H.K. Sema, stayed the proceedings following a petition by Ms Patkar for transfer of the case outside Gujarat preferably to Delhi.
PTI

SHUKLA MURDER CASE ACCUSED GIVES UP
KANPUR: Vikas Dube, main accused in the murder of Uttar Contract Labour Board Chairman and senior BJP leader Santolsh Shukla, has surrendered before the Special Anti-Dacoity Court of Kanpur dehat. Dube, who was sent to jail by the court, had surrendered on Friday in a case of dacoity in the Sheoli police circle area and not in the Shukla murder case, his counsel said here.
PTI

SIX GIRLS DROWNED
NASIK: Six tribal girls aged between 11 to 13 drowned in a percolation tank near Nagashewadi in Surgansa tehsil in this district on Friday. According to the police, the girls had gone to the Andaohal percolation tank to wash clothes. When one of the girls slipped into deep water, the others also dived in to save her but all six of them drowned. UNI